In his departure statement ahead of the World Climate Action Summit in Dubai, Indian PM Narendra Modi called for supporting developing countries with climate financing and technology transfer.
Indian PM Narendra Modi landed in Dubai on Thursday to participate in the high-level segment of the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
A very special welcome in Dubai! pic.twitter.com/Zx9AUjSMEn
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 1, 2023
Climate Financing for Developing Countries
Upon arrival, Modi was received by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dy PM and Interior Minister of UAE in Dubai.
He highlighted that at the Voice of Global South Summit convened by India, the Global South spoke of the need for climate action based on the principles of equity, climate justice, and common but differentiated responsibilities, as well as a greater focus on adaptation.
In an interview with Aletihad, Modi reiterated the need for global cooperation to ensure “requisite climate financing and technology transfer” to the developing nations.
“It is essential to recognise that developing countries have not contributed in the creation of the problem. Yet, developing countries are willing to be a part of the solution,” the Indian leader remarked.
India Walks the Talk on Climate Action
Modi asserted that India has walked the talk when it comes to climate action. “Our achievements in different sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, energy conservation, Mission LiFE are testament to the commitment of our people towards mother Earth,” he mentioned.
The Indian PM added that climate was a high priority for India during ist G20 Presidency. Further, he stressed that developing countries must have access to equitable carbon and development space to achieve sustainable development.
“COP28 will also provide an opportunity to review progress made under the Paris Agreement and chart a path for future course on climate action,” Modi asserted.
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding global agreement under the UNFCCC, which was adopted at COP21 in 2015.
Green Credit Initiative, LeadIT2.0
During his time in Dubai, Modi will join a special event where India will officially kickstart the Green Credit Initiative alongside the UAE during a high-level event at COP28. The programme seeks to issue “Green Credits” for plantations on waste or degraded lands and river catchment areas. It is a market-based mechanism to incentivise voluntary environmental actions.
Modi will also participate in the LeadIT 2.0 being hosted by India and Sweden. LeadIT is a Leadership Group for Industry Transition launched by the two countries in 2019 to accelerate the industry transition to net-zero emissions.
Additionally, the Indian PM will join another high-level event titled Transforming Climate Finance, which is to be hosted by the Presidency of the COP28, that is the UAE. Modi will also meet some leaders present in Dubai and discuss ways to accelerate global climate action.
All in a day’s work: How PM @narendramodi’s day in Dubai looks like :
— DD News (@DDNewslive) December 1, 2023
Overall PM Modi would be spending around 21 hours in Dubai and doing:
🔸4 Speeches
🔸2 Special Initiatives on Climate Events
🔸7 Bilateral meetings
In addition he will be doing pull aside and informal… pic.twitter.com/lxw0l8SyGJ
Conference of Parties is the supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC that meets annually to assess progress in dealing with climate change, discuss and negotiate further actions that should be taken and make decisions on Global Climate Action.
COP 28, which began on 30 November, will conclude on 12 December. The event will see a participation of over 70,000 delegates. On the first day of the summit, the delegates adopted a new fund to help poor nations tackle climate disasters — a decision welcomed by India.